The youth are more than just the future; they are the "now." We need to empower them and make them believe in themselves. The United Nations defines youth as those between the ages of 15 and 24, the interval between adolescence and early adulthood.
I'd like to draw attention to three significant challenges currently faced by teenagers: teenage pregnancy, suicide, and drug addiction.
PROBLEM 1: TEENAGE PREGNANCY
Even if the percentage of teen pregnancies decreased from 8.6% to 5.4% between 2017 and 2020, young mothers' schooling is frequently disrupted as a result. In addition, teen dads in the same age range are increasing. The duties and financial strains of parenthood make it difficult for many young parents to complete their formal education. In the end, this will result in learning disparities, poverty, and inequality.
PROBLEM 2: TEEN SUICIDE
In a recent report by The Inquirer, it was revealed that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' mental health is alarming, with 404 learners from public schools in the Philippines having tragically committed suicide in 2021. These distressing figures call for comprehensive measures, mental health support, and intervention within the education system. We currently have approximately 2,093 guidance counselors, but with a population growth target of 28 million, we fall short of the recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 individuals.
PROBLEM 3: TEEN ADDICTION
In 2022, out of three thousand, eight hundred sixty-five (3,865). When considering the age at first drug use, 41.32 percent (41.32%) of admissions fall within the 15- to 19-year-old age group.
Youth is the most critical period in one's life because the choices made during youth have a profound impact on the future, shaping education, career, and relationships. This pivotal period is crucial for skill development and lays the foundation for academic and professional pursuits.
The youth are our nation's future leaders. Since current leaders will retire, investing in the youth is vital. This promotes a smooth transfer and continuity in corporate or social leadership, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
Saving the youth is saving the face of hope. This stage shapes their identities, values, and beliefs. Personal preferences, career ambitions, and long-term goals begin to form. The youth stage is a key time for education and skill development, and lifestyle decisions like nutrition, exercise, and health can have long-term effects.
MY STORY
At 16, I crafted my first vision board, outlining my life aspirations and discovering that having a vision would guide my daily actions. Completing this board in 2015 opened doors for me to share my success story at youth events and eventually fueled my passion to empower others. Empowering youth for over 20 years has been a blessing. I've organized events addressing youth challenges. Having closely interacted with the youth in our community, in our company, at universities, and among loved ones., I've shared their joys, sorrows, and diverse experiences. Serving them is my life's mission. Their vibrant energy brings me joy, inspiring me to channel my own enthusiasm into meaningful and noble actions.
My solution to the existing youth problems is to redirect the attention of the youth from distractions and guide them towards tools and activities that foster personal growth, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential. I plan to provide a comprehensive wellness platform covering six life dimensions. I called this youth360tools.com.
PHYSICAL:
Offering health and wellness videos, including exercise routines by partner gym instructors and easy meal preparation guides to strengthen bodies and promote a healthy lifestyle, steers clear of addiction.
EMOTIONAL:
Creating journals to enhance self-awareness, emotion management, and reflection, with the proceeds from journal sales funding face-to-face activities for smaller groups, providing crucial emotional support to the youth.
MENTAL:
Establishing connections to experts through a directory of free resources for learning, skill development, and available education programs, both governmental and private, to help youth gain knowledge.
SPIRITUAL:
Providing a platform for those seeking spiritual guidance, connecting them with religious and meditation groups to foster a connection with a higher being, life, and nature.
CAREER:
Connecting youth with mentors and coaches and collaborating with committed individuals to guide them in their career paths.
FINANCIAL:
By educating youth on financial literacy through free online seminars, we aim to reach 300,000 financially literate Filipinos by 2030, empowering them to save and manage their money effectively.
SOCIAL:
Creating a social community that fosters a sense of belonging and connection and organizing activities such as tree planting, community service projects, and beach clean-ups to benefit both members and the environment.
I'm confident that this website can serve as a platform to connect with more young people who are seeking strength to navigate life's challenges. By setting attainable goals, we can empower them to move forward and create a better future for themselves. My Ikigai is to leave a legacy of resiliency by using my coaching and leadership skills to address the issue of youth seeking guidance on goal-setting across various life dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, career, financial, and social, through my work of providing a comprehensive resource hub, orchestrating empowering events, and establishing a supportive community where youth can construct their lives, contributing to the foundation of a stronger nation.
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